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Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can disrupt sleep, limit movement, and weaken your ability to perform daily tasks. Whether you are an athlete, an office worker, or living with aging joints, understanding the root cause is the key to regaining function. Most shoulder pain improves with conservative care, and advanced options are available when it does not.

Senior man outdoors holding his painful shoulder
Illustration of the shoulder joint highlighted in purple

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body: a shallow ball-and-socket joint held in place by the rotator cuff muscles, the labrum, and the joint capsule. That mobility makes it vulnerable to sudden injury, repetitive strain, and wear.
 
Pain may develop from everyday movements like typing, lifting, or sleeping in the wrong position, or signal a deeper problem such as rotator cuff damage or arthritis. Pain that starts in the neck and travels to the shoulder may come from a pinched nerve.

Treatments For Shoulder Pain

Treatment depends on the cause. Most patients start with conservative care and advance only as needed.

Non-surgical and regenerative care

  • Rest and recovery. Reduce strain and allow healing.
  • Stretching and strengthening. Enhance flexibility and stability.
  • Posture and ergonomic changes. Minimize stress on the joint at work and home.
  • Injections. Reduce inflammation in the joint or bursa.
  • PRP therapy. For selected tendon and ligament injuries.

Surgical options

Our physicians recommend the least invasive option appropriate for the cause of your pain.

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How Shoulder Pain Is Diagnosed

Evaluation begins with a history of the pain and any injury, and an examination of range of motion, strength, and stability. Specific tests help identify the rotator cuff, labrum, or joint as the source, and a neck examination checks for a pinched nerve.
 
X-rays show arthritis and bone problems, while ultrasound or MRI shows the tendons, labrum, and soft tissues. If you already have MRI imaging, you can sign up for our free MRI review.
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Man holding his shoulder in pain

Common Causes Of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is usually a sign of an underlying problem. Common causes include:

Rotator cuff injuries

Tears and strains are leading causes of persistent shoulder pain.

Injuries

Falls, sports accidents, and impacts causing fractures, sprains, or dislocations.

Overuse and repetitive strain

Lifting, throwing, or extended computer use.

Arthritis and bursitis

Chronic joint conditions causing stiffness and discomfort.

Frozen shoulder

Stiffness and loss of motion that can worsen without treatment.

Nerve compression

A pinched nerve in the neck; see neck pain.

How Shoulder Pain Affects Daily Life

Even minor shoulder pain can hold you back, and ignoring it can lead to lasting problems.

Daily life

Everyday limits

Trouble reaching overhead or carrying objects, weaker grip, and sleep disrupted by lying on the affected side.

Work

Productivity

Desk jobs and physical work both strain the shoulder and reduce comfort and focus.

Long term

Health risks

Neck, back, and posture problems, and progression to frozen shoulder or arthritis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common causes of shoulder pain?

Common causes include rotator cuff injuries, overuse and repetitive strain, arthritis, bursitis, frozen shoulder, labral tears, injuries such as dislocations and fractures, and pinched nerves in the neck.

Can neck problems cause shoulder pain?

Yes. Nerve compression in the cervical spine can cause pain that radiates from the neck into the shoulder and arm, often with numbness or tingling.

What is frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is stiffening and thickening of the shoulder joint capsule that causes pain and progressive loss of motion. It tends to worsen without treatment.

When should I see a doctor for shoulder pain?

See a specialist if pain lasts more than a few weeks, limits your movement, wakes you at night, or follows an injury. Sudden shoulder or arm pain with chest pressure or shortness of breath needs emergency care.

Can shoulder pain be treated without surgery?

Yes. Rest, stretching and strengthening, ice or heat, posture changes, physical therapy, injections, and regenerative treatments such as PRP help many patients.

Is stem cell or PRP therapy an option for shoulder pain?

Regenerative treatments such as PRP and stem cell therapy may help selected tendon, ligament, and arthritis problems. A consultation determines whether you are a candidate.

When is surgery needed?

Surgery such as arthroscopic repair or shoulder replacement is considered for large tears, instability, or advanced arthritis that does not respond to conservative care.

How is shoulder pain diagnosed?

A physical examination of motion, strength, and stability comes first, with X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to confirm the cause. Call (321) 499-4646 to schedule.

Signs Your Shoulder Needs Attention

Shoulder pain can be acute or chronic. See a specialist when you notice:

  • Pain lasting more than a few weeks or that keeps returning.
  • Limited mobility, which may indicate deeper joint or nerve problems.
  • Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm.
  • Pain at night or when lying on the shoulder.
  • Numbness or tingling that travels from the neck into the arm.
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Man with shoulder pain highlighted

Related Conditions

Rotator Cuff Tears

A rotator cuff tear is a very common condition in the shoulder that can cause recurring pain, weakness, and a variety of other symptoms. When the tissues connecting muscles in the shoulder to bone, commonly known as tendons, become damaged or "torn", it can create a sensation of pain or weakness. The severity and symptoms of the tear can vary depending on what caused the tear to form and other factors.

Shoulder Labral Tears

Shoulder labral tears are a common injury that can cause pain and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the socket of the shoulder blade (scapula), which helps to deepen the socket and stabilize the shoulder joint. A tear in this cartilage can occur due to injury, degeneration, or overuse, causing pain, weakness, and instability in the shoulder.

SLAP Tears

SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) tears are a type of shoulder injury that affects the labrum, the cartilage that surrounds the shoulder joint. The labrum helps to stabilize the joint and provides a surface for the shoulder blade to move on. A SLAP tear occurs when the labrum is damaged, usually from a traumatic event such as a fall or a sports injury.

Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are a common occurrence, especially among athletes and active individuals. Whether it's a sprained ankle, a torn ligament, or a broken bone, sports injuries can sideline even the most seasoned athlete and impact their ability to perform at their best. Orthopedic treatments are often the go-to solution for these types of injuries, helping individuals get back on their feet and back to the sport they love.

Knee Pain

Knee Pain is a common symptom that can be caused by a wide variety of conditions ranging from sports injuries to tendonitis or certain medical conditions such as arthritis. The best way to determine the exact cause and available treatment methods for your specific situation is to have a diagnosis done by an expert physician such as our team of doctors here at Total Spine.

Hip Pain

The hips are one of the most critical joints in the body, allowing you to do many of your normal daily activities such as walking, standing, and more. This makes it all the more debilitating if pain, numbness, or weakness begins to affect your hips. Symptoms such as difficulty walking, trouble sleeping, and general uncomfortableness when lying on one side or the other are all common indicators of a hip issue that may need to be addressed.

Joint Pain

Pain in the joints is a very common symptom often experienced in the feet, hips, spine, knees, or hands. In addition to pain, joint stiffness, as well as a burning or throbbing sensation in or near the joints, are also commonly associated with joint-related issues. It is important to note that in many cases the pain or burning sensation may not be constant but can increase or decrease depending on activity.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly occurs in the hips, knees, and hands.

Meniscus Tears

Meniscus tears are a common injury to the knee, often caused by twisting or bending the knee forcefully. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone and the shin bone. It helps to distribute weight evenly across the knee joint and provides stability.

Runner’s Knee

Runner's knee is a common injury among runners and athletes. It occurs when the knee joint experiences excessive stress or wear and tear, leading to pain, inflammation, and discomfort. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for runner's knee.

Hip Labral Tears

A labral tear is an injury to the tissue between the socket and ball portions of the hip joint. This tear can cause a variety of symptoms including intense pain, difficulty moving your hip, and reduced mobility of the hip.

Neck Pain

At some point in life, most adults experience some level of neck pain. Whether you woke up in the morning with a “crick in your neck” or you have felt the constant dull pain of a spine condition, you understand the frustration neck pain can cause.

Arm Pain

Arm pain can come from overuse, injury, inflammation, or a pinched nerve in the neck or wrist, and occasionally signals a heart problem.

When Shoulder Pain Needs Surgery

The Arthroscopic Advantage

How arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery of the shoulder compares with traditional open surgery.

Open surgeryArthroscopicMinimally invasive
IncisionOne larger incision to open the joint.A few small incisions for a camera and slim instruments.
Soft tissueMore disruption of muscle and tissue.Less disruption of the surrounding tissue.
VisualizationDirect view through the open incision.A magnified camera view inside the joint.
Hospital stayMay require a hospital stay.Usually outpatient; most patients go home the same day.
Recovery and scarringA longer recovery and a larger scar.Typically less pain, smaller scars, and a quicker start to rehabilitation.

When shoulder pain needs surgery, arthroscopic techniques repair many problems through small incisions, with a quicker start to rehabilitation.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • Shoulder care from therapy to surgery

    From regenerative injections to arthroscopic repair, we treat the cause of your shoulder pain.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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